Coalition braces for tough result as Albanese hopes to be first PM to win re-election since Howard

Labor's goal of retaining majority government remains on knife-edge as opposition leader confident he can pull off a surprise win

• Polls tracker; Election guide; Interactive seat explorer
• Party policies; Micro parties explained; Full election coverage
• Get our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast

Anthony Albanese is on the cusp of winning a second term but hopes of retaining majority government hang on a knife-edge as Peter Dutton attempts to overcome a chaotic campaign to win enough seats to force Labor deep" into minority.

The prime minister and opposition leader will return to their home cities of Sydney and Brisbane on Saturday to cast their vote and await the election results, after a multi-state blitz of battleground seats in the final day of the campaign.